Touch screen for a beverage dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A beverage dispensing system includes a control system electrically connected with a beverage dispenser, a proximity sensor, and a touch-sensitive display. The control system causes the touch-sensitive display to display an advertising state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is not present at the beverage dispensing system and a beverage selection state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is present. The control system further causes the touch-sensitive display to display a pour state after a beverage choice selection is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the beverage selection state. The control system still further causes the beverage dispenser to deliver the beverage choice after a pour request is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pour state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This present application claims all available benefit, under 35 U.S.C.§119(e), of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/848,216filed Dec. 27, 2012. By this reference, the full disclosure of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/848,216 is incorporatedherein as though now set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to input systems, methods, anddevices, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and devices forinterpreting manual inputs in connection with touch-screens for drinkdispensers.

2. Description of the Related Art

There currently exist various types of input devices for the selectionof and activation of a pouring mechanism for a drink dispenser. Theinput devices may include: buttons, levers, and touch surfaces. Theoperations, for example, may correspond to moving a mechanical lever,pushing a mechanical button, moving a lever that activates a solenoid,or pushing a button that activates a solenoid.

The aforementioned methods are sufficient to display particular drinksand allow consumers to make a selection of their desired choice ofbeverage. However, manufacturers of drink dispensers want a moreinteractive experience for the consumer. A more interactive experiencein the selection and activation of the drink dispenser aids in theadvertising of the beverages and draws in and holds a consumer'sinterest. Aiding manufacturers of drink dispensers in their goal for amore interactive experience is the technology of touch screens. Touchscreens are used in many electronic devices to display graphics andtext, and to provide a user interface through which a user may interactwith the devices. Accordingly, a drink dispenser that uses touch screentechnology to provide an interactive and attractive display to advertiseand aid the consumer with selection of beverages would be beneficial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser adapted todeliver a dispensed beverage choice therefrom. A proximity sensordetermines when a user is present at the beverage dispensing system. Atouch-sensitive display displays one of an advertising state, a beverageselection state, and a pour state. A control system electricallyconnected with the beverage dispenser, the proximity sensor, and thetouch-sensitive display controls the operation of the beveragedispensing system.

The control system displays the advertising state on the touch-sensitivedisplay responsive to the proximity sensor indicating a user is notpresent at the beverage dispensing system. The control system displaysthe beverage selection state on the touch-sensitive display responsiveto the proximity sensor indicating a user is present at the beveragedispensing system. The control system displays the pour state on thetouch-sensitive display responsive to a selection of a beverage choicemade through the touch sensitive display during the display of thebeverage selection state. The control system operates the beveragedispenser to deliver the beverage choice responsive to a pour requestmade through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pourstate.

The beverage selection state displayed on the touch-sensitive displayincludes a plurality of three-dimensional graphical representations ofcups having thereon drink brand labels of beverage choice selections.The plurality of three-dimensional graphical representations of cups ismovable in a progression through non-beverage selection positions and abeverage selection position. From the beverage selection state, thecontrol system registers a contact with the touch-sensitive display atone of the plurality of three-dimensional graphical representations ofcups and processes the contact to determine whether the contact is astationary contact or a moving contact. The control system in responseto a moving contact determines a starting point of the contact and anending point of the contact among the non-beverage selection positionsand the beverage selection position. The control system then progressesa contacted cup from the starting point of the contact to the endingpoint of the contact, thereby moving the contacted cup among thenon-beverage selection positions and the beverage selection position.Alternatively, the control system progresses a contacted cup from anon-beverage selection position to the beverage selection position whenthe contact is a stationary contact and the contacted cup resides at anon-beverage selection position. The control system saves a contactedcup as a beverage choice selection when the contact is a stationarycontact and the contacted cup resides at the beverage selectionposition.

The pour state displayed on the touch-sensitive display includes thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup havingthereon the drink brand label of the beverage choice selection and agraphical representation for a pour button. The control system ceasesthe display of the beverage selection state responsive to the beveragechoice selection and displays the pour state on the touch-sensitivedisplay. From the pour state, the control system registers a contactwith the touch-sensitive display at the graphical representation of thepour button and delivers the beverage choice selection from the beveragedispensing system in response to the contact with the graphicalrepresentation for the pour button.

The pour state displayed on the touch-sensitive display may furtherinclude at least one additive icon. The control system registers acontact with the additive icon and in response thereto displays on thetouch-sensitive display the additive icon circling the three-dimensionalgraphical representation of the contacted cup. The control system inresponse to a contact with the graphical representation for the pourbutton delivers the beverage choice selection and additive from thebeverage dispensing system.

The control system ceases the display of the beverage selection state inresponse to an expiration of a beverage choice selection time period andinstead displays a beverage selection help state on the touch-sensitivedisplay. The beverage selection help state displayed on thetouch-sensitive display includes a three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a hand and a plurality of three-dimensional graphicalrepresentations of cups having thereon drink brand labels of beveragechoice selections. The plurality of three-dimensional graphicalrepresentations of cups is movable in a progression through non-beverageselection positions and a beverage selection position. From the beverageselection help state, the control system displays on the touch-sensitivedisplay the hand contacting one of the plurality of three-dimensionalgraphical representations of cups located at a non-beverage selectionposition. The control system then progresses the hand and the contactedcup from the non-beverage selection position to the beverage selectionposition and displays the hand and the contacted cup at the beverageselection position, thereby demonstrating a beverage choice selection.

The control system ceases the display of the pour state in response toan expiration of a pour time period and instead displays a pour helpstate on the touch-sensitive display. The pour help state displayed onthe touch-sensitive display includes the three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a contacted cup having thereon a drink brand label ofa beverage choice selection, a graphical representation for a pourbutton, and a three-dimensional graphical representation of a hand. Fromthe pour help state, the control system displays on the touch sensitivedisplay the hand contacting the graphical representation for the pourbutton, thereby demonstrating a beverage choice selection pour. The pourhelp state may further include at least one additive icon. When the pourhelp state includes at least one additive icon, the control systemdisplays on the touch sensitive display the hand contacting the additiveicon followed by the display of the additive icon circling thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup, therebydemonstrating an additive selection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a relational block diagram of components for a beveragedispensing system according to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a beverage dispenser of thebeverage dispensing system with its cover.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the beverage dispenser of thebeverage dispensing system without its cover.

FIG. 4 is a relational block diagram of components for a control systemof the beverage dispensing system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an advertising screen for the beverage dispensingsystem.

FIG. 6 illustrates a beverage selection screen for the beveragedispensing system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pour screen for the beverage dispensing system.

FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate beverage selection state help screens for thebeverage dispensing system.

FIGS. 9a-9e illustrate pour state help screens for the beveragedispensing system.

FIG. 10a illustrates a user selection of a beverage icon located inposition 3.

FIG. 10b illustrates a user moving the beverage icon selected inposition 3 to position 2.

FIG. 10c illustrates a user moving the beverage icon selected inposition 3 from position 2 to position 1.

FIG. 11a illustrates a user direct selection of a beverage icon locatedin position 3.

FIG. 11b illustrates a user direct selection of a beverage icon locatedin position 3.

FIG. 11 c illustrates a user direct selection of a beverage icon locatedin position 3.

FIG. 12a illustrates a user selecting a beverage icon located at abeverage selection position.

FIG. 12b illustrates a transition between a beverage selection state anda pour state.

FIG. 13 illustrates a user selecting a first additive within a pourstate.

FIG. 14 illustrates a first selected additive within a pour state.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user selecting a second additive within a pourstate.

FIG. 16a illustrates a second selected additive within a pour state.

FIG. 16b illustrates pouring a beverage within a pour state.

FIG. 17 illustrates a beverage container file within a memory of thebeverage dispensing system.

FIG. 18a illustrates a main menu screen within a maintenance state.

FIG. 18b illustrates a pass code key screen within the maintenancestate.

FIG. 18c illustrates a system setup screen within the maintenance state.

FIG. 18d illustrates a service screen within the maintenance state.

FIG. 18e illustrates a playlist screen within the maintenance state.

FIG. 18f illustrates a usage screen within the maintenance state.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an advertisingstate for the beverage dispensing system.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a beverageselection state for the beverage dispensing system.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a pour state forthe beverage dispensing system.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the help statesfor the beverage dispensing system.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a maintenancestate for the beverage dispensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may beexaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.

FIG. 1 illustrates a relational block diagram of the components thatcomprise a beverage dispensing system 50. The beverage dispensing system50 comprises a beverage dispenser 100, a control system 200, atouch-sensitive display 300, a sound system 600, alternate interfacebuttons 121, a proximity sensor 400, and a power system 900.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the beverage dispenser 100. The beveragedispenser 100 is of a type well known to those of ordinary skill in theart that dispenses any suitable beverage. Beverage dispensers can beeither pre-mix or a post-mix type, and, in the present embodiment, thebeverage dispenser 100 is a post-mix type that dispenses fountaindrinks. While the present embodiment discloses a post-mix beveragedispenser, the disclosed beverage dispenser is exemplary only, and thoseof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any beverage dispensermay be employed in the beverage dispensing system 50 as the beveragedispenser 100. The beverage dispenser 100 includes a product source, ahousing 110, dispensing valves 115, a nozzle 116, a cover 117, a driptray 118, and an ice dispenser 119.

The housing 110 is rectangular in shape and provides the structure forthe beverage dispenser 100. The housing 110 includes a chamber having acooling system therein as well as an area for receiving and storing ice.The cooling system may be either a refrigeration unit that forms an icebank or a cold plate. When the cooling system comprises a refrigerationunit, the cooling system electronically communicates and is controlledby the control system 200. The control system 200 controls the coolingsystem to regulate temperature within the beverage dispenser 100 and toensure that beverages are delivered to an end user at the appropriatetemperature. In the present embodiment of the invention, the beveragedispenser 100 uses a cold plate to cool incoming water, carbonatedwater, and product. The cold plate may be manufactured from any suitablematerial, but, in the present embodiment, the cold plate is made fromaluminum. Ice delivered into the chamber contacts the cold plate toaffect the heat transfer necessary for the cooling of water, carbonatedwater, and product flowing through the cold plate.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispenser 100receives product from a product source, water from a water source, andcarbonated water from a carbonated water source for the purpose ofdelivering product and either plain or carbonated water to an end userin the production of a fountain drink. The product source is syrup thatis contained in bags that are packaged in boxes herein referred to asbags in a box. The bags in a box are stored on racks located near thebeverage dispenser 100. The number and type of bags in a box correspondto the number and type of flavors desired for a particular use. Waterfrom the water source can be from any suitable source such as a publicwater source. The carbonated water source is typically a carbonatorcoupled with a water source and a source of carbon dioxide gas.

The water from the water source, the carbonated water from thecarbonated water source, and the product from the product source aredelivered by pumps and travel via supply lines into the beveragedispenser 100. The pumps electronically communicate and are controlledby the control system 200. The control system 200 controls the pumps todeliver via the supply lines the water, carbonated water, and product tothe beverage dispenser 100. After entering the beverage dispenser 100,the supply lines connect with supply lines of the cooling system 150,which, in the present embodiment, are supply lines housed within thecold plate. As the product, water, and carbonated water travel throughthe cold plate, the cold plate cools the product, water, and carbonatedwater prior to delivery to the dispensing valves 115 via further supplylines within the beverage dispenser 100.

The dispensing valves 115 attach to the housing 110 of the beveragedispenser 100 and can be of any suitable type such as electronicsolenoid, volumetric valves, or any valve capable of providing regulatedfluid flow. The number of dispensing valves 115 corresponds to thenumber of different flavors that is desired in the end use application.The dispensing valves 115 electronically communicate and are controlledby the control system 200. The control system 200 controls thedispensing valves 115 to deliver the appropriate amounts of water,carbonated water, product, and any desired additives to make a suitablefountain drink. The dispensing valves 115 connect to a nozzle or nozzles116 which delivers the product and one of the water and carbonated waterfrom the beverage dispenser 100. In the present embodiment of theinvention, the nozzle 116 is a multi-flavor nozzle of a type well knownto one of ordinary skill in the art.

The cover 117 fits over the beverage dispenser 100 and can be made ofany suitable material. The cover 117 provides an aesthetic appeal byconcealing the components of the beverage dispenser 100 from the enduser. The drip tray 118 is placed under the nozzle 116 and is designedto catch any liquid that unintentionally escapes the nozzle 116 or thatis spilled by the end user.

The ice dispenser 119 is included in the present embodiment of theinvention to allow the inclusion of ice in a dispensed beverage. Ice isadded to the beverage dispensing system 50 using any suitable methodsuch as pouring ice into the beverage dispenser 100 or an ice makermounted atop the beverage dispenser 100. Ice within the chamber isstored for later dispensing in the ice storage area of the ice chamber111 or travels onto the cold plate for use in cooling the product,water, and carbonated water.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates the components of the controlsystem 200. The control system 200 is electrically connected andcommunicates with the components of the beverage dispensing system 50.The purpose of the control system 200 is to monitor and control theoperation of the beverage dispenser 100, the touch-sensitive display300, the sound system 600, the alternate interface buttons 121, and theproximity sensor 400 if included. In particular, the control system 200receives user input and processes the user input to deliver a selectedbeverage to a user including any selected additives. The control system200 may also distribute power throughout the beverage dispensing system50. The control system 200 includes a beverage dispenser controller 201and a touch-sensitive display controller 202 that electronicallycommunicate with each other in order to take inputs from and dispensebeverages to an end user. In the present embodiment of the invention,the control system 200 includes a beverage dispenser controller 201 anda touch-sensitive display controller 202, however, it should beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a singlecontroller or multiple controllers may be used.

The beverage dispenser controller 201 includes a microcontroller 210 anda memory 212. The beverage dispenser controller 201 receives inputs fromand gives outputs to the various components of the beverage dispenser100, including the pumps 140 and the dispensing valves 115. Themicrocontroller 210 may be of any type microcontroller, CPU,microprocessor, and the like suitable to control the beverage dispenser100. The microcontroller 210 of the beverage dispenser controller 201retrieves and executes programs stored within the memory 212. The memory212 of the beverage dispenser controller 201 may include any suitableRAM or ROM memory device that can store computer programs such asmagnetic disks or flash memory devices. The present embodiment uses areplaceable flash memory device such as a USB flash drive for the memory212. The USB flash drive allows a technician to change the settings ofthe beverage dispenser 100 by changing programs within the USB flashdrive or by replacing the USB flash drive altogether. The beveragedispensing system 50 can also be connected to a wi-fi network whereinprograms and settings within the memory 212 of the beverage dispensercontroller 201 can be changed remotely via the Internet.

The touch-sensitive display controller 202 includes a microcontroller211 and a memory 213. The touch-sensitive display controller 202receives inputs from and gives outputs to the various components,including, the beverage dispenser controller 201, the touch-sensitivedisplay 300, the alternate interface buttons 121, the sound system 600,and the proximity sensor 400. The microcontroller 211 may be of any typemicrocontroller, CPU, microprocessor, and the like suitable to controlthe electronic systems. The microcontroller 211 of the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 retrieves data files and executes programs storedwithin the memory 213. The memory 213 of the beverage dispensercontroller 201 may include any suitable RAM or ROM memory device thatcan store computer programs such as magnetic disks or flash memorydevices. The present embodiment uses a replaceable flash memory devicesuch as a USB flash drive for the memory 213. The USB flash drive allowsan operator to change the settings of the beverage dispenser 100 bychanging programs within the USB flash drive or by replacing the USBflash drive card altogether. It should be noted that the beveragedispensing system 50 can also be connected to a wi-fi network whereinprograms and settings within the memory 213 of the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 can be changed remotely via the Internet.

The beverage dispenser controller 201 and the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 electronically communicate with each other in order totake inputs from and dispense beverages to an end user. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 receives inputs from and givesoutputs to the touch-sensitive display 300 in order to determine a userbeverage selection, including any additives. Once a user beverageselection, including any additives, has been determined, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 communicates with the beveragedispenser controller 201, which, in turn, controls the appropriate pumps140 and dispensing valve 115 to deliver the selected beverage. In orderfor the beverage dispenser controller 201 and the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 to deliver desired beverages and additives, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 must have access to beveragefiles containing information on ail beverages suitable for dispensingfrom the beverage dispensing system 50. FIG. 17 illustrates a beverageinformation file stored within the memory 213 for the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202. In particular, a beverage information fileincludes the beverage name, such as Coca-Cola™, Sprite™, and the like;the graphics associated with the beverage; the water-to-syrup ratio ofthe beverage; the water type of the beverage, such as carbonated orplain; the nutrient information of the beverage; the available recipesof the beverage, such as the additives available for delivery during thepouring of the beverage; and an associated object for the beverage,which is an icon for display on the touch-sensitive display 300.Whenever a beverage is selected for dispensing from a dispensing valve115, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 accesses the beverageinformation file for the beverage in order to display on thetouch-sensitive display 300 a correct icon with associated graphics aswell as the available additives. In addition, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 accesses the beverage information file for thebeverage in order to provide the correct beverage delivery information,such as water-to-syrup ratio, to the beverage dispenser controller 201.

The touch-sensitive display 300 provides an interface between the userand the beverage dispensing system 50. The touch-sensitive display 300provides a touch sensitive surface that allows the user to make beverageselections or “inputs” based on contact (such as from the user's finger)and it also displays graphical “output.” The graphical “output” shown onthe touch-sensitive display 300 aids the user in selecting a beverageand also provides the vendor with an advertising function if so desired.In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 is any suitable device that generates an output signalresponsive to contact from a user such as a resistive, capacitive, or asurface acoustic wave system. Contacts or inputs from the user result inthe touch-sensitive display 300 outputting signals to thetouch-sensitive display controller 202.

The beverage dispenser 100 includes alternate interface buttons 121 asan additional user interface for the beverage dispensing system 50. Thealternate interface buttons 121 electronically communicate with thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 and allow full operation of thebeverage dispensing system 50. The alternate interface buttons 121 arelocated on the housing 110 of the beverage dispenser 100 and allow anend user to manually operate the beverage dispensing system 50 if theend user cannot use the touch-sensitive display 300 or thetouch-sensitive display 300 becomes inoperable. For example, if an enduser is a child or a person in a wheel chair, the alternate interfacebuttons 121 provide an interface located on the beverage dispensingsystem 50 beneath the touch-sensitive display 300.

The beverage dispensing system 50 includes a sound system 600 that worksin conjunction with the touch-sensitive display 300 to attract consumersand to aid users in the process of selecting beverages. In the presentembodiment, the sound system 600 may be any suitable sound device suchas speakers. The sound system 600 electronically communicates and iscontrolled by the touch-sensitive display controller 202. By providingadditional stimulus to potential consumers, the sound system 600 aidsthe operator in advertising or attracting consumers to the beveragedispensing system 50. For example, when the touch-sensitive display 300is outputting advertising material, the sound system 600 can work inconjunction with the touch-sensitive display 300 to accentuateadvertising by attracting potential consumers with sound. In addition,the sound system 600 can aid visually impaired end-users by working inconjunction with the alternate interface buttons 121 to guide themthrough and help them to select beverages.

The beverage dispensing system 50 includes a proximity sensor 400. Thepurpose of the proximity sensor 400 is to detect the presence or absenceof a nearby consumer in relation to the beverage dispensing system 50 sothat the touch-sensitive display controller 202 may transition the touchsensitive display 300 from an advertising state to a beverage selectionstate. The proximity sensor 400 detects the presence or absence ofnearby consumers using any suitable means such as infrared, acoustic, orcapacitive proximity switches. The proximity sensor 400 is incommunication with the touch-sensitive display controller 202. When theproximity sensor 400 detects the presence or absence of a potentialconsumer a signal is sent to the touch-sensitive display controller 202.The touch-sensitive display controller 202 interprets the signal fromthe proximity sensor 400 and places the touch-sensitive display 300 intothe appropriate state.

The beverage dispensing system 50 connects with and receives power fromany suitable source such as a standard electrical outlet to providepower to the components of the beverage dispensing system 50. As such,the beverage dispensing system 50 includes power transfer devices, suchas regulators, rectifiers, and transformers that supply the componentsof the beverage dispensing system 50 with their required voltage andcurrent levels.

A graphical user interface or GUI presented on the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 allows a user to operate the beverage dispensing system 50.The GUI of the beverage dispensing system 50 uses graphical icons toguide the user through the beverage selection process. In the presentembodiment these graphical icons are three-dimensional highlighted areasand familiar shapes such as graphical representations of cups to providean interface that allows the selection of beverages to be unique andentertaining. When the user manipulates the graphical icons displayed onthe touch-sensitive display 300, they are able to communicate directlywith the touch-sensitive display controller 202. Operation of the GUI isexplained below.

When the user selects a graphical icon displayed on the touch-sensitivedisplay 300, signals are sent to the touch-sensitive display controller202. Programs within the memory 213 of the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 interpret signals from the touch-sensitive display 300 ascommand inputs. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 analyzes thecommand inputs from the user to determine the nature of each, input.This includes the size, shape, and location of the affected area on thetouch-sensitive display 300. In addition, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 analyzes movement from the user. Illustratively, if theuser moves their finger along the touch-sensitive display 300, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 calculates the difference betweenthe starting point and the ending point of the command input. Afterinterpreting the command inputs, the touch-sensitive display controller202 in turn outputs signals to the touch-sensitive display 300 thatmodify the GUI and aid the user in making beverage selections. Examplesof the output from the touch-sensitive controller 202 include changingfrom a beverage selection screen to a pour screen after a beverageselection, or moving graphical icons on the touch-sensitive display 300in response to inputs from the user. The GUI of the beverage dispensingsystem 50 includes an advertising state, a beverage selection state, apour state, a help state, and a maintenance state that are presented onthe touch-sensitive display 300. FIG. 5 illustrates an advertisingscreen 800 that is an example screen within the advertising state. Inthe preferred embodiment, the advertising state is the default state ofthe GUI. The advertising state uses audio projected through the soundsystem 600 and video displayed on the touch-sensitive display 300 topresent advertising and to capture the attention of nearby consumers.FIG. 6 illustrates a beverage selection screen 801 that is an examplescreen within the beverage selection state. The beverage selection statepresents the user with a menu that displays beverage choices that aregraphically represented as cups or any other suitable beveragecontainer, such as a can or bottle. Users can make beverage selectionsby choosing a cup that represents their beverage of choice. FIG. 7illustrates a pour screen 802 that is an example screen within the pourstate. The pour state allows the user to select additional additivespoured with their beverage, return to the beverage selection state, orto pour the beverage of their choice. FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate beverageselection help screens 803-805 and FIGS. 9a-9e illustrate pour statehelp screens 806-810 that are example screens within the beverageselection help state and the pour help state. The beverage selectionhelp state and the pour help state use animations to demonstrate how tooperate the GUI of the beverage dispensing system 50. Specifically, thebeverage selection help state and the pour help state use an animatedhand to operate the GUI and demonstrate how to select beverages andadditives and pour a beverage. FIGS. 18a-18f illustrate maintenancescreens that are example screens within the maintenance state. Themaintenance state allows a technician to perform diagnostics on thebeverage dispensing system 50 and input operating parameters for thebeverage dispensing system 50, such as beverage and additive flavors andthe like. The beverage dispensing system 50 transitions from theadvertising state to the beverage selection state based upon theproximity sensor 400 or user input. The beverage dispensing system 50transitions among the beverage selection state, the pour state, and thehelp states based on user input or the expiration of a timing programlocated within the memory 213. In addition, the beverage dispensingsystem 50 transitions from the beverage selection state, the pour state,and the help states to the advertising state based upon the expirationof a global timing program located within the memory 213. The beveragedispensing system 50 transitions to the maintenance state 504 based upontechnician input.

As stated above, the advertising state is the default state of thebeverage dispensing system 50. As a user approaches the beveragedispensing system 50, the user will be presented with the advertisingscreen 800 illustrated in FIG. 5. The advertising screen 800 willdisplay advertising and operate in combination with the sound system 600to attract a user's attention. The advertising screen 800 includes thewords “Touch Screen to Begin” that invite a user to touch thetouch-sensitive display 300 and therefore operate the beveragedispensing system 50. As a user comes within range of the proximitysensor 400 or activates the touch-sensitive display 300 with contact,the beverage dispensing system 50 will exit the advertising state andenter the beverage selection state. The interaction between theproximity sensor 400, the touch-sensitive display controller 202, andthe touch-sensitive display 300 to transition the beverage dispensingsystem 50 from the advertising state to the beverage selection statewill be described in greater detail herein.

Upon transitioning to the beverage selection state, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 controls the touch-sensitive display 300 of thebeverage dispensing system 50 to display the beverage selection screen801 illustrated in FIG. 6. In order to display a beverage selectionscreen, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 accesses a beverageinformation file for each beverage of the beverage dispensing system 50such that a correct associated object and beverage graphic is displayed.In the present embodiment, the beverage selection screen 801 hasassociated objects in the form of a display of cup icons that allows auser to select a beverage for dispensing from the beverage dispenser100. Moreover, the cup icons displayed by the beverage selection screen801 include a beverage graphic representing the choices among thedifferent beverages. For example, the cup icons display the labels ofparticular drink brands such as Coke™, Sprite™, Dr Pepper™, Powerade™,and the like. The cup icons within the beverage selection screen 801 areprogrammable in that a technician for the beverage dispensing system 50can change the brands and the numbers of cup icons depending uponapplication. Although the preferred embodiment employs cup icons, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other suitable beveragecontainer icons such as cans or bottles could be used.

The beverage selection screen 801 in the preferred embodiment includes16 cup icons that represent beverage selections. The cup icons arearranged in and movable either clock-wise or counter clock-wise througha circular pattern having 16 positions including a beverage selectionposition located at position 1. While the preferred embodiment of theinvention includes 16 cup icons, it should be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that more or less cup icons representing moreor less beverage selections may be added or removed depending uponapplication. In order to choose a beverage for dispensing, the user mustfirst move the cup icon representing their beverage of choice into thebeverage selection position followed by a selection input, which, in thepreferred embodiment is a tap of the cup icon. To aid the user in makingbeverage selections, the graphical size of the cup icons increases ordecreases depending upon position. The graphical size of the cup iconlocated in the beverage selection position (position 1) is largest andmost prominently displayed in front of the user, whereas the cup iconlocated in position 9 is the smallest. As cup icons move away from thebeverage selection position (position 1) towards position 9, thegraphical size of the cup icons decreases.

FIGS. 10a-10c provide an example movement of a cup icon among thepositions of the beverage selection screen 801. In particular, FIGS.10a-10c illustrate the selection of a beverage of choice represented bycup icon 3 located in position 3. In order to move cup icon 3 located inposition 3 to the beverage selection position (position 1), the userfirst touches the cup icon 3 as illustrated in FIG. 10a . The user willthen move the cup icon 3 located at position 3 to the beverage selectionposition (position 1) by dragging the cup icon 3 in a clock-wisedirection until it reaches the beverage selection position (position 1).As illustrated in FIGS. 10b and 10c , the cup icon 3 will first movefrom position 3 to position 2 followed by the movement of the cup icon 3from position 2 to the beverage selection position (position 1). As thecup icon 3 moves from position 3 to position 2 the graphical size of thecup icon 3 increases. Similarly, as the cup icon 3 moves from position 2to position 1 the graphical size of the cup icon 3 again increases andwill reach its largest graphical size and is prominently displayed infront of the user.

In addition to the example movement above, the user can move a cup icondirectly to the beverage selection position (position 1). FIGS. 11a-11cprovide an example of how a user can move a cup icon directly to thebeverage selection position (position 1) from the other positions of thebeverage selection screen 801. In particular, FIGS. 11a-11c illustratethe direct selection of a beverage of choice represented by cup icon 3located in position 3. In order to move cup icon 3 located in position 3directly to the beverage selection position (position 1), the user firsttouches the cup icon 3 as illustrated in FIG. 11a . As illustrated inFIGS. 11b and 11c , the cup icon 3 will first move from position 3 toposition 2 followed by the movement of the cup icon 3 from position 2 tothe beverage selection position (position 1). As the cup icon 3 movesfrom position 3 to position 2 the graphical size of the cup icon 3increases. Similarly, as the cup icon 3 moves from position 2 toposition 1 the graphical size of the cup icon 3 again increases and willreach its largest graphical size and be prominently displayed in frontof the user. The interactions between the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 and the touch-sensitive display 300 to move a particularbeverage selection to the beverage selection position will be describedin greater detail herein.

FIGS. 12a-12b illustrate screens displayed during a user selectioninput. As illustrated in FIG. 12a , once the cup icon 3 has been placedinto the beverage selection position the user will perform the selectioninput by performing a tap of the cup icon 3. After the user performs theselection input, the touch sensitive display 300 displays the user'sbeverage selection for a predetermined time period as illustrated inFIG. 12b . Upon expiration of the predetermined time period (1 second inthe preferred embodiment), the beverage dispensing system 50 transitionsfrom the beverage selection state to the pour state as illustrated inFIG. 7. The interaction between the touch-sensitive display controller202 and the touch-sensitive display 300 to select a particular beveragewithin the beverage selection state will be described in greater detailherein.

As the beverage dispensing system 50 transitions from the beverageselection state to the pour state, the touch-sensitive display 300 willdisplay the pour screen 802 illustrated in FIG. 7. In the preferredembodiment, the pour screen 802 displays the user's beverage selectionprominently in the middle of the touch-sensitive display 300 andpresents the user with pour and control options. The pour screen 802gives the user the options of returning to the beverage selection state,selecting up to two different additives for inclusion in a pouredbeverage, or pouring the beverage selected from the beverage selectionstate either alone or with additives. In addition to the foregoingoptions presented to the user, the pour state displays advertising andsuggested additives for mixing with a particular beverage. Advertisingscrolls across the top of touch-sensitive display 300 to attract user'sattention and suggested additives are displayed next to the user'sbeverage selection. For example, Coke™ with Vanilla, Coke™ with Cherry,and the like would be displayed on the additive selection screenresponsive to a user selection of Coke™.

After entering the pour state and being presented with the pour screen802, the user may choose to abandon their beverage selection and returnto the beverage selection state. To return to beverage selection state501, the user makes contact with the touch-sensitive display 300 withinthe area of the GUI marked “Back.” The selection of “Back” within thepour screen 802 will return to the beverage dispensing system 50 to thebeverage selection state and display beverage selection screen 801 asillustrated in FIG. 6.

The pour state allows the user to select additives for dispensing withtheir beverage. In the preferred embodiment, the user is presented withfour additive choices of which they can select up to two for theirbeverage. It should be noted that, although there are four additivechoices and two additive selections, more or less additive choices andadditive selections may be incorporated depending upon application.Within the GUI additives are presented to the user as graphical icons ofthe additive. For example, the flavor cherry will be represented as agraphical icon of a cherry. The four additive choices have plus signsassociated with their graphical icons. To make an additive selection,the user touches graphical icon of their chosen additive.

FIGS. 13-16 b illustrate examples of the GUI when the user chooses twoadditives for inclusion in a poured beverage. To make their firstadditive selection, the user touches the graphical icon of their chosenadditive as illustrated in FIG. 13. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the GUIwill be modified in two ways, the plus sign associated with the chosenadditive becomes a minus sign and an animation of the selected additiverotates around the user's selected beverage. To make their secondadditive selection, the user touches the graphical icon associated withtheir chosen additive as illustrated in FIG. 15. As illustrated in FIG.16a , after the user makes a second additive selection, the GUI will bemodified in three ways, an animation of the user's second additiveselection accompanies the first additive selection and rotates aroundthe user's selected beverage, the plus sign associated with secondadditive selected become a minus sign, and the remaining additive plussigns disappear to indicate the disabling of additive selection.

After choosing an additive for inclusion in the selected beverage, theuser has the option of erasing any chosen additive selections. To erasea chosen additive selection, the user touches the graphical iconassociated with the selected additive. After touching the graphicalicon, the GUI will be modified to remove the deselected additive fromrotation around the user's selected beverage. In addition, the GUI willbe modified to display a pins sign associated with the deselectedadditive.

The pour state gives the user the option of pouring a beverage with orwithout an additive. After the user has made the decision whether toinclude additives, the pour state allows the user to pour their selectedbeverage. To pour a beverage selection as illustrated in FIG. 16b , theuser places their cup under the nozzle 116 and makes contact with thetouch-sensitive display 300 within the area of the GUI marked “Pour.”When the user makes contact with the “Pour” area, the beverage dispenser100 begins to dispense the selected beverage either alone or with anyselected additives. In the preferred embodiment, a continuous user inputis required to pour a selected beverage. As such, the user must continueto contact the “Pour” icon until their cup fills to a desired level.However, the beverage dispensing system 50 includes a pour timingprogram within the memory 213 that prevents beverage overflow. Inparticular, once the user makes contact with the “Pour” icon, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 starts the pour timing program.Consequently, if contact with the “Pour” icon does not cease prior tothe expiration of the pour timing program, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 outputs a cease pour command to the beverage dispensercontroller 201, thereby preventing farther pouring and thus overflow ofthe user's selected beverage. Although in the preferred embodiment acontinuous user input is required to pour a selected beverage, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate other mechanisms to deliver adesired amount of beverage such as a timer.

After the user retrieves their cup and moves away from the beveragedispensing system 50, a next user may take the previous user's place andpour a beverage. The new user would make contact with thetouch-sensitive display 300 within the area of the GUI marked “Back.”The selection of “Back” within the pour screen 802 erases the previoususer's beverage and additive selections and returns the new user to thebeverage selection state. After a new user returns to the beverageselection state they will follow the process as previously described toselect a beverage, additives, and to pour their beverage selection.Alternatively, if there is no new user, the beverage dispensing system50 returns to the advertising state upon the expiration of a globaltiming program as described herein. The interactions between thetouch-sensitive display controller 202, the touch-sensitive display 300,and the beverage dispenser controller 201 to select additives and pour aselected beverage as well as return to the beverage selection state orthe advertising state will be described in greater detail herein.

The beverage dispensing system 50 includes a beverage selection helpstate and a pour help state displayed on the touch-sensitive display300. The beverage selection help state and the pour help state usegraphical animations to guide the user in the operation of the Gill ofthe beverage dispensing system 50. Specifically, the beverage selectionhelp state and the pour help state use an animated hand thatdemonstrates operation of the GUI to select beverages, select additives,and to pour a beverage. For example, when in the beverage selectionstate, the beverage selection help state will show an animated handmoving the cup icons and selecting a beverage. FIGS. 8a-8c illustrateexample help screens 803-805 within the beverage selection help statethat show the animated hand selecting a beverage within the beverageselection state. When the beverage dispensing system 50 is in the pourstate, the pour help state will show an animated hand selectingadditives and pouring a selected beverage. FIGS. 9a-9e illustrate thehelp screens 806-810 within the pour help state that show the animatedhand pouring a selected beverage within the pour state.

In one instance, the touch-sensitive display 300 transitions into thebeverage selection help state from the advertising state afterexpiration of a timing program contained within the memory 213.Additionally, the touch-sensitive display 300 transitions into thebeverage selection help state or the pour help state from either thebeverage selection state or the pour state when a user remains at thebeverage dispensing system 50 without making an input for 8 seconds.Alternatively, the touch sensitive display 300 may include a “?” icon inboth the beverage selection state and the pour state that when touchedresults in the touch-sensitive display 300 transitioning into thebeverage selection help state or the pour help state. Thetouch-sensitive display 300 remains in either the beverage selectionhelp state or the pour help state until the user initiates an input oruntil the expiration of a help state timing program within the memory213. When a user input is detected or the timer within the help statetiming program expires, the touch-sensitive display 300 exits thebeverage selection help state or the pour help state and returns to theadvertising state, the beverage selection state, or the pour state. Theinteraction between the touch-sensitive display 300 and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 when the beverage dispensingsystem 50 transitions from either the beverage selection state or thepour state into either the beverage selection help state or the pourhelp state will be described in greater detail herein.

The touch-sensitive display 300 returns to the advertising state fromthe beverage selection state and the pour state upon expiration of aglobal timing program within the memory 213. Once the global timingprogram within the memory 213 expires, the beverage dispensing system 50will return to the advertising state and display screens such as theadvertising screen 800 depicted in FIG. 5. The interaction between theglobal timing program, the touch-sensitive display controller 202, andthe touch-sensitive display 300 when the beverage dispensing system 50transitions from the beverage selection state and the pour state intothe advertising state will be described in greater detail herein.

The beverage dispensing system 50 includes a maintenance state thatallows a technician to check and change settings within the beveragedispensing system 50. In the present embodiment of the invention, themaintenance state is accessed in either the beverage selection state orthe pour state by a technician touching the touch-sensitive display 300at a predetermined location and entering a pass code. In the preferredembodiment, the technician touches a corner of the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 to access the maintenance state. FIG. 18b illustrates anaccess code screen that is presented to the technician after thetechnician selects a corner of the touch-sensitive display 300. FIG. 18aillustrates an example main menu screen of the maintenance statepresented to the technician after correct access code entry. The mainmenu screen of the maintenance state according to the preferredembodiment includes a service menu icon, a playlist icon, a system setupicon, a user interface icon, a usage icon, a tutorial icon, and an exiticon.

The selections presented to the technician via the main menu screenprovide the technician with the maintenance options available for thebeverage dispensing system 50 and instructional videos demonstrating howto perform the maintenance operations available to the technician.Illustratively, selection of the service menu icon displays the servicescreen shown in FIG. 18d thereby allowing a technician to configure thebeverage dispensing system 50. By way of example, the technician canassign a particular valve to a particular brand as well as configure thedisplay 300 such that a cup icon represents the brand. Selection of theplaylist icon displays the playlist screen shown in FIG. 18e therebyallowing a technician to control the video and audio presented to a userduring the advertising state. Selection of the system setup up icondisplays the system set up screen illustrated in FIG. 18c and allows atechnician to initialize the beverage dispensing system 50. An exampleof initialization in the preferred embodiment includes establishment ofthe number of dispensing valves and thus the number of brands availablefor dispensing from the beverage dispensing system 50 as well as theinitiation of communication between the control system 200 and theremaining components of the beverage dispensing system 50. Selection ofthe usage icon displays the usage screen shown in FIG. 18f . The usagescreen provides the technician with the dispensing data from thebeverage dispensing system 50 such as the amounts of beverage andadditive syrups dispensed. Selection of the tutorial icon displays alist of tutorial videos available to the technician that demonstrate howto perform certain maintenance tasks on the beverage dispensing system50, such as, for example, how to assign a particular valve to aparticular brand as well as configure the display 300 to display a cupicon representing the brand. Selection of the exit icon returns thebeverage dispensing system 50 to a previous state, either the beverageselection state or the pour state in the preferred embodiment. Theinteraction between the touch-sensitive display 300 and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 when the beverage dispensingsystem 50 enters the maintenance state will be described in greaterdetail herein.

In addition to the touch-sensitive display 300, the user can operate thebeverage dispensing system 50 using the alternate interface buttons 121illustrated in FIG. 2. The alternate interface buttons 121 include threeoperation buttons; a right arrow button, a left arrow button, and anaction button. As described above, the default state of the GUI is theadvertising state. The touch-sensitive display controller 202transitions the touch-sensitive display 300 from the advertising stateto the beverage selection state through either the detection of a userby the proximity sensor 400 or by a user touching one of the alternateinterface buttons 121. The alternate interface buttons 121 work inconcert with the touch-sensitive display 300 to select beverages,additives, and to pour a selected beverage. The right arrow button andthe left arrow button allow the user to highlight different options ormanipulate icons within a given state. As the user presses either theright arrow button or the left arrow button, icons within a given statewill be highlighted or moved. For example, when the user is in thebeverage selection state, the right arrow button will rotate the cupicons to the right, while the left arrow button will rotate the cupicons to the left. To select a beverage, the user would rotate a cupinto beverage selection position (position 1) and press the actionbutton, thereby selecting a beverage flavor and transitioning the touchsensitive display 300 to the pour state. When the user is in the pourstate, the pressing of the right arrow button will highlight an icon tothe right of the currently highlighted icon within the pour screen 802.The pressing of the left arrow will highlight an icon to the left of thecurrently highlighted icon within the pour screen 802. When the user isin the pour state, the action button will allow the user to selecthighlighted additives and to pour their selected beverage.

Having previously described the presentation and use of the graphicaluser interface, the operation of the control system 200 to generate thegraphical user interface and pour a beverage will now be described withreference to FIGS. 19-23. In FIGS. 19-23, diamond blocks representdecision functions and rectangular blocks represent processing andcontrol functions.

The touch-sensitive display controller 202 begins in the advertisingstate and must continuously monitor the proximity sensor 400, thetouch-sensitive display 300, and the alternate interface buttons 121during operation of the beverage dispensing system 50 to determinewhether a user is present at the beverage dispensing system 50. FIG. 19is a flow chart illustrating the interaction between the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202, the proximity sensor 400, the touch-sensitivedisplay 300, and the alternate interface buttons 121. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 begins in step 900 where thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 outputs a command to thetouch-sensitive display 300 instructing the touch-sensitive display 300to display advertising screens such as those depicted in FIG. 5. Inaddition, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 outputs a commandactivating the sound system 600. The touch-sensitive display controller202 proceeds to step 1000 and determines if the proximity sensor 400 hasoutput a signal indicating a user is present. If the proximity sensor400 has output a signal, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1003, otherwise, no user is present and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1001. In step1001, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 determines whether auser has touched the touch-sensitive display 300. If a user has touchedthe touch-sensitive display 300, the touch-sensitive display controller202 proceeds to step 1003, otherwise, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1002. In step 1002, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 determines if a user has pressed one of thealternate interface buttons 121. If a user has pressed one of thealternate interface buttons 121, the touch-sensitive display controller202 proceeds to step 1003, otherwise, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1005.

As previously described, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1003 responsive to one of a user's presence activatingthe proximity sensor 400, a user touching the touch screen 300, or auser pressing one of the alternate interface buttons 121. Once in step1003, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 ends the advertisingstate on the touch-sensitive display 300 by ceasing to display screenson the touch-sensitive display 300 such as those depicted in FIG. 5.Furthermore, the touch-sensitive controller 202 mutes the sound system600. After ending the advertising state in step 1003, thetouch-sensitive controller 202 proceeds to step 1004 and begins thebeverage selection state, which will be described herein with referenceto FIG. 22.

When the touch-sensitive display controller 202 progresses from step1002 to step 1005, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 in step1005 determines if a predetermined time period (5 minutes in thepreferred embodiment) has expired within the advertising state. If thepredetermined time period has expired, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1006, otherwise the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 returns to step 1000 for continued monitoring ofthe proximity sensor 400, the touch-sensitive display 300, and thealternate interface buttons 121 for user input. When the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 progresses from step 1005 to step 1006, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 in step 1006 ends the advertisingstate on the touch-sensitive display 300 as previously described. Afterending the advertising state, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1007 and enters the help state for the beveragedispensing system 50, which will be described herein with reference toFIG. 22. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 then returns to step1000 for continued monitoring of the proximity sensor 400, thetouch-sensitive display 300, and the alternate interface buttons 121 foruser input.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating the interaction between thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 and the touch-sensitive display300 when the beverage dispensing system 50 is in the beverage selectionstate. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 begins the beverageselection state in step 1004 by instructing the touch-sensitive display300 to display the beverage selection screen 801 depicted in FIG. 6.Furthermore, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 resets abeverage selection help state timing program and a beverage selectionstate global timing program. When the beverage dispensing system 50 isin the beverage selection state, the touch-sensitive display controller202 monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 for output in the form of asignal or signals generated as a result of a user touching thetouch-sensitive display 300. In addition, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 employs timing programs within the memory 213 to limitthe time available for non-output from the touch-sensitive display 300.The timing programs monitor time for a first user timeout and also for aglobal timeout.

In the preferred embodiment, the output from the touch-sensitive display300 in the beverage selection state will be either a user screen requestto move the position of a desired beverage represented as a cup icon, auser screen selection of a desired beverage for pouring, or a userselecting a help icon. A request for cup icon movement entails a usermoving a finger or fingers along the touch sensitive display 300, andprocessing of the request involves the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 calculating the start point and the ending point of themovement. Alternatively, a request for cup icon movement entails a usertapping the touch sensitive display 300 at a cup icon, and processing ofthe request involves the touch-sensitive display controller 202calculating the movement of the cup icon from its current position tothe beverage selection position (position 1). A beverage selectionrequest entails a user touching the touch sensitive display 300 at thebeverage selection position (position 1), and processing of the requestinvolves the touch-sensitive display controller 202 determining theuser's beverage selection. A selection of a help icon by the userentails the user touching a “?” icon on the touch-sensitive display 300.

After beginning the beverage selection state the touch-sensitivecontroller 202 proceeds to step 1008. In step 1008, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 for auser tapping a cup icon. If a user has not tapped a cup icon, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1010, otherwise,a user has tapped a cup icon and the touch-sensitive display 202proceeds to step 1009. In step 1009, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 sends a command to the touch-sensitive display 300 toexecute a movement of a cup icon from its current position to thebeverage selection position (position 1) as previously described withreference to FIGS. 11a-11c . After sending a command to thetouch-sensitive display 300 to move the cup icon to the selectionposition (position 1), the touch-sensitive display controller 202returns to step 1008 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 for user input.

In step 1010, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors thetouch-sensitive display 300 for movement of a cup icon by a user. Theuser moves the cup icon by selecting a cup icon and swiping their fingerto the right or left. If a user has not moved a cup icon, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1012, otherwise,a user has moved a cup icon and the touch-sensitive display 202 proceedsto step 1011. In step 1011, the touch-sensitive display controller 202calculates the start point and ending point of a user's movement. Aftercalculating the movement, the touch-sensitive display controller 202sends a command to the touch-sensitive display 300 to execute a movementof a cup icon from its current position to the position selected by auser as previously described with reference to FIGS. 10a-10c . Aftersending a command to the touch-sensitive display 300 to move the cupicon to a user selected position, the touch-sensitive display controller202 returns to step 1008 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 for user input.

The beverage dispensing system 50 provides a user with a beverageselection help state accessible from the beverage selection state. Thebeverage selection help state is accessible through either a usertouching the help icon “?” or a one time expiration of a fixed timeamount for a beverage selection help state timing program within thememory 213. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors thetouch-sensitive display 300 for user input, and, if the help icon “?” istouched or no user input is detected within the fixed time amount, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 places the beverage dispensingsystem 50 into the beverage selection help state. In the preferredembodiment, the fixed time amount set by the beverage selection helpstate timing program is 8 seconds. Consequently, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 in step 1012 monitors the touch-sensitive display300 for a touching of the help icon “?”. If a user has touched the helpicon “?”, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step1007, otherwise, a user has not touched a help icon “?” and thetouch-sensitive display 202 proceeds to step 1014. In step 1014, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors the timing programwithin the memory 213 to determine if the fixed time amount (8 seconds)has expired without a user input on the touch-sensitive display 300. Ifthe timing program within the touch-sensitive display controller 202 hasexpired, a first user timeout has occurred, and the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 proceeds to step 1007, otherwise, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 will proceed to step 1015. Instep 1007, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 exits the beverageselection state and enters the help state for the beverage dispensingsystem 50, which will be described herein with reference to FIG. 22.After completing and then returning from the beverage selection helpstate, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 will return to step1008 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300. Atthis point, the one time expiration of the beverage selection help statetiming program has occurred, and the touch-sensitive display controller202 will not enter step 1007 from step 1014 until a new beginning of thebeverage selection state at step 1004.

In step 1015, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors thetouch-sensitive display 300 to determine if a user has executed thebeverage selection request as previously described with reference toFIGS. 12a-12b . If the user has not executed the beverage selectionrequest, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step1019, otherwise, the user makes a beverage selection request, and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1016. In step1016, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 saves the user'sbeverage selection for use in the pour state prior to entering step1017. The touch-sensitive controller 202 in step 1017 ends the beverageselection state by sending commands to touch-sensitive display 300 todisplay the screen depicted in FIG. 12b . After ending the beverageselection state in step 1017, the touch-sensitive controller 202proceeds to step 1018 and begins the pour state, which will be describedherein with reference to FIG. 21.

In step 1019, the touch-sensitive display 202 determines if a globaltimeout within the touch-sensitive display controller 202 has occurred.A global timeout occurs upon the expiration of a fixed time amount for abeverage selection state global timing program within the memory 213. Inthe preferred embodiment, the fixed time amount set by the beverageselection state global timing program is 14 seconds. Typically, thefixed time amount for the beverage selection state global timing program(14 seconds) is greater than the fixed time amount for the beverageselection help state timing program (8 seconds) such that the beveragedispensing system 50 executes the beverage selection help state prior toa global timeout. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 monitorsthe beverage selection state global timing program within the memory 213to determine if the global timeout has expired. If no global timeout hasoccurred, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 returns to step1008 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300.However, if a global timeout has occurred, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1020 and records the end of the beverageselection state prior to entering step 900 wherein the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 begins the advertising state as described hereinwith reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the interaction between thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 and the touch-sensitive display300 when the beverage dispensing system 50 is in the pour state. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 begins in step 1018 where thetouch-sensitive controller 202 outputs a command to the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 instructing the touch-sensitive display 300 to display thepour screen 803 depicted in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 resets a pour help state timing program and apour state global timing program. When the beverage dispensing system 50is in the pour state, the touch-sensitive display controller 202monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 for output in the form of asignal or signals generated as a result of a user touching thetouch-sensitive display 300. In addition, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 employs timing programs within the memory 213 to limitthe time available for non-output from the touch-sensitive display 300.The timing programs monitor time for a first user timeout and also for aglobal timeout.

In the preferred embodiment, the output from the touch-sensitive display300 in the pour state will be one of a user screen request for thepouring of a selected beverage including any selected additives, a userscreen request to cease the pouring of a selected beverage including anyselected additives, a user selecting a help icon, a user screenselection of an additive, a user screen request for removal of anadditive, or a user screen request to exit the pour state.

After beginning the pour state, the touch-sensitive controller 202proceeds to step 1021 and monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 todetermine if a user has made a pour request. A user makes a pour requestby touching the “Pour” icon on the touch-sensitive display 300 asillustrated in FIG. 12a . If a user has not made a pour request, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1026, otherwise,a user has made a pour request, and the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 begins a pour timing program within the memory 213 priorentering step 1022. In the preferred embodiment, the pour timing programis a predetermined pour timeout period (7 seconds) designed to preventoverflow. In step 1022, the touch-sensitive display controller 202outputs a pour command to the beverage dispenser controller 201. Thepour command includes the user's beverage selection and any additiveselections. Responsive thereto, the beverage dispenser controller 201activates the valve associated with the user's beverage selection andany valve or valves associated with the user's additive selections andbegins pouring the user's beverage. After outputting a pour command, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1023 andmonitors the touch-sensitive display 300 to determine whether the userhas removed contact from the “Pour” icon. If the user removes contactfrom the “Pour” icon, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1024, otherwise, the touch-sensitive display controller202 proceeds to step 1025. In step 1025, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 monitors the pour timing program within the memory 213 todetermine if pour timeout has expired. If no pour timeout has occurred,the touch-sensitive display controller 202 returns to step 1022 forcontinued pouring and then to step 1023 for continued monitoring of thetouch-sensitive display 300. However, if a pour timeout has occurred,the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1024. Instep 1024, which may be entered from both steps 1023 and 1025, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 outputs a cease pour command tothe beverage dispenser controller 201. Responsive thereto, the beveragedispenser controller 201 deactivates the valve associated with theuser's beverage selection and any valve or valves associated with theuser's additive selections. The touch-sensitive display controller 202resets the pour timing program within the memory 213 and returns to step1021 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300.

The beverage dispensing system 50 provides a user with a pour help stateaccessible from the pour state. The pour help state is accessiblethrough either a user touching the help icon “?” or a one timeexpiration of a fixed time amount for a pour help state timing programwithin the memory 213. The touch-sensitive display controller 202monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 for user input, and, if thehelp icon “?” is touched or no user input is detected within the fixedtime amount, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 places thebeverage dispensing system 50 into the pour help state. In the preferredembodiment, the fixed time amount set by the pour help state timingprogram is 8 seconds. Consequently, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 in step 1026 monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 fora touching of the help icon “?”. If a user has touched the help icon“?”, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1007,otherwise, a user has not touched a help icon “?” and thetouch-sensitive display 202 proceeds to step 1028. In step 1028, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors the timing programwithin the memory 213 to determine if the fixed time amount (8 seconds)has expired without a user input on the touch-sensitive display 300. Ifthe timing program within the touch-sensitive display controller 202 hasexpired, a first user timeout has occurred, and the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 proceeds to step 1007, otherwise, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 will proceed to step 1029. Instep 1007, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 exits the pourstate and enters the help state for the beverage dispensing system 50,which will be described herein with reference to FIG. 22. Aftercompleting and then returning from the pour help state, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 will return to step 1021 forcontinued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300. At this point,the one time expiration of the pour help state timing program hasoccurred, and the touch-sensitive display controller 202 will not enterstep 1007 from step 1028 until a new beginning of the pour state at step1018.

While executing the pour state, the beverage dispensing system 50 in thepreferred embodiment provides a user with the option of including up totwo additives with their selected beverage. In step 1029, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 to determine if a user has made an additive selectionrequest. If a user has not made an additive selection request, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1038, otherwise,a user has made an additive selection request, and the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 proceeds to step 1030. In step 1030, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 determines if the user's additiveselection is enabled. As previously described, once two additives havebeen selected, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 disablesunselected additives and removes additive plus signs from the unselectedadditives. Consequently, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 instep 1030 determines whether the user is touching an unselected additivedisabled as a result of two prior additive selections. The touching ofan unselected additive disabled as a result of two prior additiveselections results in the touch-sensitive display controller 202returning to step 1021 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitivedisplay 300. Conversely, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1031 when the user has selected an enabled additive.

In step 1031, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 decides whetherthe user's additive selection request is existing requiring erasing ornew requiring saving. In particular, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 compares the user's additive selection with any storedadditive selections to determine if the request was existing or new.When the user selects a previously selected additive, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1033 and erasesthe user's additive selection from the memory 213. In step 1034, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 enables the unselected additiveas well as any other unselected additives and returns additive plussigns to the unselected additives. After executing step 1034, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 returns to step 1021 forcontinued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300.

When the user selects a new additive, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1032 and saves the user's additiveselection in the memory 213 for use during the pouring of the selectedbeverage. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 then executes step1035 by controlling the touch sensitive display 300 such that the touchsensitive display 300 displays the requested additive selection aspreviously described with reference to FIG. 14. In step 1036, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 decides whether the user additiveselection request is a second request. In the preferred embodiment, auser is only allowed a maximum of two additive selections. If the useradditive selection request is not a second request, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 returns to step 1021 for continued monitoring ofthe touch-sensitive display 300 for an output, which includes a userrequest for a second additive. A determination in step 1036 that asecond additive request has been made results in the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 proceeding to step 1037 and disabling theunselected additives. In addition, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 controls the touch sensitive display 300 such that thetouch sensitive display 300 removes the additive selection options aspreviously described with reference to FIG. 16a . The touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 then returns to step 1021 for continuedmonitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300 for an output, which nolonger includes user additive request options.

The pour state provides a user with the option of exiting the pour stateand returning to the beverage selection state by making a pour stateexit request. In step 1038, the touch-sensitive display controller 202monitors the touch-sensitive display 300 to determine if a user has madea pour state exit request. A pour state exit request entails a usertouching the touch sensitive display 300 at the “Back” icon. If the userhas not made a pour state exit request the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1042 otherwise the user has made a pourstate exit request. A pour state exit request results in thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeding to step 1039 anderasing from the memory 213 the user's beverage selection made duringthe beverage selection state as well as any additive selections. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 then proceeds to step 1040 andends the pour state. After ending the pour state in step 1040, thetouch-sensitive controller 202 proceeds to step 1004 and begins thebeverage selection state, as previously described with reference to FIG.20.

In step 1042, the touch-sensitive display 202 determines if a globaltimeout within the touch-sensitive display controller 202 has occurred.A global timeout occurs upon the expiration of a fixed time amount for abeverage selection state global timing program within the memory 213. Inthe preferred embodiment, the fixed time amount set by the pour stateglobal timing program is 14 seconds. Typically, the fixed time amountfor the pour state global timing program is greater than the fixed timeamount for the pour help state timing program such that the beveragedispensing system 50 executes the pour help state prior to a globaltimeout. The touch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors the pourstate global timing program within the memory 213 to determine if theglobal timeout has expired. If no global timeout has occurred, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 returns to step 1021 forcontinued monitoring of the touch-sensitive display 300. However, if aglobal timeout has occurred, the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1043 and records the end of the pour state prior toentering step 900 wherein the touch-sensitive display controller 202begins the advertising state as previously described with reference toFIG. 19.

The beverage dispensing system 50 provides a user with a beverageselection help state accessible from the advertising state and thebeverage selection state and a pour help state accessible from the pourstate. The beverage selection help state is accessed from the beverageselection state through either a help icon “?” or a timing program thatprovides the user with a fixed amount of selection time. Similarly, thepour help state is accessed from the pour state through either a helpicon “?” or a timing program that provides the user with a fixed amountof selection time. In the preferred embodiment, the fixed amount of timeset by the timing program is 8 seconds.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating the interaction between thetouch-sensitive display controller 202, the touch-sensitive display 300,and the timing program located within the memory 213 when the beveragedispensing system 50 executes the help state. The touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 begins in step 1044 and determines whether thebeverage dispensing system 50 was previously in the advertising state.If the beverage dispensing system was previously in the advertisingstate, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1013,otherwise, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 continues to step1045. In step 1045, the touch-sensitive display controller 202determines whether the beverage dispensing system 50 was previously inthe beverage selection state. If the beverage dispensing system 50 wasnot previously in the beverage selection state the touch-sensitivedisplay 202 proceeds to step 1046, otherwise, the beverage dispensingsystem 50 was previously in the beverage selection state and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1013 and beginsthe beverage selection help state. In particular, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 instructs the touch-sensitive display 300 todisplay screens such as help screens 803-805 illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8cprior to entering step 1047.

In step 1046, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 determineswhether the beverage dispensing system 50 was previously in the pourstate. If the beverage dispensing system 50 was not previously in thepour state the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step1050, otherwise, the beverage dispensing system 50 was previously in thepour state and the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds tostep 1027 and begins the pour help state. In particular, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 instructs the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 to display screens such as help screens 806-810 illustratedin FIGS. 9a-9e prior to entering step 1047.

Once the touch-sensitive display controller 202 begins either thebeverage selection help state or the pour help state, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors for a help state exitevent which is either further input at the touch-sensitive display 300or the expiration of a help timing program within the memory 213. Instep 1047, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 determines whethera user has touched the touch-sensitive display 300. If the user hastouched the touch-sensitive display 300, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1049, otherwise, the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 proceeds to step 1048. At the beginning of eitherthe beverage selection help state or the pour help state, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 starts a help state timer (10seconds in the preferred embodiment), and, in step 1048, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 monitors for the expiration ofthe help state timer. If the help state timer has expired, a helptimeout has occurred, and the touch-sensitive display controller 202proceeds to step 1049, otherwise, the touch-sensitive display controller202 returns to step 1047 for continued monitoring of the touch-sensitivedisplay 300 and the help state timer.

In step 1049, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 ends thecurrent help state (either the beverage selection help state or the pourhelp state) by ceasing the display of the help screens. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 then proceeds to step 1050 for areturn to the previous state—one of the advertising state, the beverageselection state, and the pour state. A return to the advertising stateentails a redisplay of the last displayed advertising state screen andexecution of step 1000 as previously described. A return to the beverageselection state involves a redisplay of the last displayed beverageselection state screen and execution of step 1008 as previouslydescribed. A return to the pour state includes a redisplay of the lastdisplayed pour state screen and execution of step 1021 as previouslydescribed.

The touch-sensitive display controller 202 continuously monitors thetouch-sensitive display 300 for technician input indicating that atechnician wishes to enter the maintenance state. FIG. 23 is a flowchart that describes the interaction between the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 and the touch-sensitive display 300 when the beveragedispensing system 50 executes the maintenance state. The touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 begins in step 1051 and monitors thetouch-sensitive display 300 for a technician input indicating that thetechnician wishes to enter the maintenance state. In the preferredembodiment, the output from the touch-sensitive display 300 that willtrigger the maintenance state is a touch in any one of the four cornersof the touch sensitive display 300. Nevertheless, one of ordinary skillin the art will recognize alternative means such as a maintenance icon.Accordingly, a maintenance state request entails a technician touchingthe touch sensitive display 300 at any one of its four corners followedby the touch-sensitive display controller 202 determining in step 1051that one of the four corners has been touched. If the touch-sensitivedisplay controller 202 determines that no maintenance state has beenrequested the touch-sensitive display controller 202 loops back to step1051 for continued monitoring of the touch sensitive display 300 for amaintenance request. Otherwise, a maintenance state request has beenmade, and the touch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step1052 and outputs a command to the touch-sensitive display 300 to displayan access code as illustrated in FIG. 18b . After displaying the accesscode request, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 continues tostep 1053 and determines if a valid pass code has been entered. If avalid pass code has not been entered, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1056 and, as described further herein,ends the maintenance state prior to returning to a previous state instep 1057—either the beverage selection state or the pour state.Alternatively, a valid pass code has been entered, and thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 continues to step 1054. In step1054, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 enters the maintenancestate and outputs a command to the touch-sensitive display 300instructing the touch-sensitive display 300 to display the maintenancemain menu screen illustrated in FIG. 18a , thereby allowing thetechnician to select a maintenance icon and perform maintenance aspreviously described. In addition, the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 disables the advertising state as previously described.Once the technician has finished maintenance of the beverage dispensingsystem 50, the technician exits a selected maintenance screen throughtouch of a back icon that returns the touch-sensitive display 300 todisplay the maintenance main menu screen. Consequently, after enteringthe maintenance state and facilitating performance of maintenance, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 proceeds to step 1055 andmonitors the touch-sensitive display 300 for technician input of amaintenance state exit request, which as previously described consistsof a technician contacting an exit icon in the main menu. If thetechnician has not inputted a maintenance state exit request, thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 remains in step 1055 forcontinued monitoring for such a request. Otherwise, a maintenance stateexit request has been inputted, and the touch-sensitive displaycontroller 202 proceeds to step 1056.

In step 1056, the touch-sensitive display controller 202 ends themaintenance state by ceasing the display of the maintenance screens asillustrated in FIGS. 18a-18f . The touch-sensitive display controller202 further enables the advertising state as previously described. Thetouch-sensitive display controller 202 then proceeds to step 1057 for areturn to the previous state—either the beverage selection state or thepour state. A return to the beverage selection state involves aredisplay of the last displayed beverage selection state screen. Areturn to the pour state includes a redisplay of the last displayed pourstate screen.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposesonly and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees willfail within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly,is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description;rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for a beverage dispensing system,comprising: displaying on a touch-sensitive display a beverage selectionstate, comprising a plurality of three-dimensional graphicalrepresentations of cups having thereon drink brand labels of beveragechoice selections and movable in a progression through non-beverageselection positions and a beverage selection position; registering auser contact with the touch-sensitive display at one of the plurality ofthree-dimensional graphical representations of cups; processing the usercontact to determine whether the user contact is a stationary contactwhereby the user taps the touch-sensitive display at one of theplurality of three-dimensional graphical representations of cups or amoving contact whereby the user traverses the touch-sensitive displayamong the non-beverage selection positions and the beverage selectionposition while maintaining contact with the touch-sensitive display;determining in response to a moving contact a starting point of the usercontact and an ending point of the user contact among the non-beverageselection positions and the beverage selection position; progressing acontacted cup from the starting point of the user contact to the endingpoint of the user contact, thereby moving the contacted cup among thenon-beverage selection positions and the beverage selection position;and saving a contacted cup as a beverage choice selection when the usercontact is a stationary contact and the contacted cup resides at thebeverage selection position.
 2. The method for a beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 1, further comprising progressing a contactedcup from a non-beverage selection position to the beverage selectionposition when the contact is a stationary contact and the contacted cupresides at a non-beverage selection position.
 3. The method for abeverage dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising:ceasing the display of the beverage selection state on thetouch-sensitive display responsive to the beverage choice selection;displaying on the touch-sensitive display a pour state, comprising thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup havingthereon the drink brand label of the beverage choice selection and agraphical representation for a pour button; registering a contact withthe touch-sensitive display at the graphical representation of the pourbutton; and delivering the beverage choice selection from the beveragedispensing system in response to the contact with the graphicalrepresentation for the pour button.
 4. The method for a beveragedispensing system according to claim 3, wherein: the pour state furthercomprises at least one additive icon; registering a contact with thetouch-sensitive display at the additive icon; displaying on thetouch-sensitive display the additive icon circling the three-dimensionalgraphical representation of the contacted cup in response to the contactwith the additive icon; and delivering the beverage choice selection andadditive from the beverage dispensing system in response to the contactwith the graphical representation for the pour button.
 5. The method fora beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising:ceasing the display of the beverage selection state on thetouch-sensitive display in response to an expiration of a beveragechoice selection time period; displaying on the touch-sensitive displaya beverage selection help state, comprising: a plurality ofthree-dimensional graphical representations of cups having thereon drinkbrand labels of beverage choice selections and movable in a progressionthrough non-beverage selection positions and a beverage selectionposition, and a three-dimensional graphical representation of a hand;displaying on the touch-sensitive display the hand contacting one of theplurality of three-dimensional graphical representations of cups locatedat a non-beverage selection position; and progressing the hand and thecontacted cup from the non-beverage selection position to the beverageselection position.
 6. The method for a beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 5, further comprising displaying the hand and thecontacted cup at the beverage selection position, thereby demonstratinga beverage choice selection.
 7. The method for a beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 3, further comprising: ceasing to display thepour state on the touch-sensitive display in response to an expirationof a pour time period; displaying on the touch-sensitive display a pourhelp state, comprising: the three-dimensional graphical representationof the contacted cup having thereon the drink brand label of thebeverage choice selection, a graphical representation for a pour button,and a three-dimensional graphical representation of a hand; anddisplaying on the touch sensitive display the hand contacting thegraphical representation for the pour button, thereby demonstrating abeverage choice selection pour.
 8. The method for a beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 4, further comprising: ceasing the display ofthe pour state on the touch-sensitive display in response to anexpiration of a pour time period; displaying on the touch-sensitivedisplay a pour help state, comprising: the three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of the contacted cup having thereon the drink brand labelof the beverage choice selection, a graphical representation for a pourbutton, at least one additive icon, and a three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a hand; displaying on the touch sensitive display thehand contacting the additive icon; and displaying on the touch-sensitivedisplay the additive icon circling the three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of the contacted cup, thereby demonstrating an additiveselection.
 9. The method for a beverage dispensing system according toclaim 1, further comprising displaying an advertising state on thetouch-sensitive display in response to a proximity sensor indicating auser is not present at the beverage dispensing system.
 10. The methodfor a beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, furthercomprising pressing interface buttons electrically connected with thecontrol system and located below the touch-sensitive display to operatethe beverage dispensing system when a user is unable to reach thetouch-sensitive display.
 11. The method for a beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: registering a contact with thetouch-sensitive display at a maintenance request area of thetouch-sensitive display; and displaying a maintenance state on thetouch-sensitive display in response to the contact with the maintenancerequest area.
 12. A method for a beverage dispensing system, comprising:displaying on a touch-sensitive display a beverage selection state,comprising beverage choice selection icons movable in a progressionthrough non-beverage selection positions and a beverage selectionposition; ceasing to display on the touch-sensitive display the beverageselection state in response to an expiration of a beverage choiceselection time period; displaying on the touch-sensitive display abeverage selection help state, comprising beverage choice selectionicons movable in a progression through non-beverage selection positionsand a beverage selection position and a three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a hand; displaying on the touch-sensitive display thehand contacting a beverage choice selection icon located at anon-beverage selection position; and progressing on the touch sensitivedisplay the hand and the contacted beverage choice selection icon fromthe non-beverage selection position to the beverage selection position.13. The method for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 12,further comprising displaying on the touch sensitive display the handand the contacted beverage choice selection icon at the beverageselection position, thereby demonstrating a beverage choice selection.14. The method for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 12,further comprising: registering a contact with the touch-sensitivedisplay at one of the beverage choice selection icons; processing thecontact to determine whether the contact is a stationary contact or amoving contact; determining in response to a moving contact a startingpoint of the contact and an ending point of the contact among thenon-beverage selection positions and the beverage selection position;progressing on the touch sensitive display a contacted beverage choiceselection icon from the starting point of the contact to the endingpoint of the contact, thereby moving the contacted beverage choiceselection icon among the non-beverage selection positions and thebeverage selection position, and saving a contacted beverage choiceselection icon as a beverage choice selection when the contact is astationary contact and the contacted beverage choice selection iconresides at the beverage selection position.
 15. The method for abeverage dispensing system according to claim 13, further comprisingprogressing on the touch sensitive display a contacted beverage choiceselection icon from a non-beverage selection position to the beverageselection position when the contact is a stationary contact and thecontacted beverage choice selection icon resides at a non-beverageselection position.
 16. The method for a beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 13, further comprising: ceasing to display on thetouch-sensitive display the beverage selection state in response to thebeverage choice selection; displaying on the touch-sensitive display apour state, comprising the contacted beverage choice selection icon anda graphical representation for a pour button; ceasing to display on thetouch-sensitive display the pour state in response to an expiration of apour time period; displaying on the touch-sensitive display a pour helpstate comprising the contacted beverage choice selection icon, agraphical representation for a pour button, and a three-dimensionalgraphical representation of a hand; and displaying on the touchsensitive display the hand contacting the graphical representation forthe pour button, thereby demonstrating a beverage choice selection pour.17. The method for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 16,further comprising: the pour state and the pour help state each furthercomprise at least one additive icon; ceasing to display on thetouch-sensitive display the pour state in response to an expiration of apour time period; displaying on the touch-sensitive display the pourhelp state; displaying on the touch sensitive display the handcontacting the additive icon; and displaying on the touch-sensitivedisplay the additive icon circling the contacted the contacted beveragechoice selection icon, thereby demonstrating an additive selection. 18.The method for a beverage dispensing system according to claim 16,further comprising: registering a contact with the touch-sensitivedisplay at the graphical representation of the pour button; anddelivering from the beverage dispensing system the beverage choiceselection in response to the contact with the graphical representationfor the pour button.
 19. The method for a beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 17, further comprising: registering a contact withthe touch-sensitive display at the additive icon; displaying on thetouch-sensitive display the additive icon circling the contactedbeverage choice selection icon in response to the contact with theadditive icon; and delivering from the beverage dispensing system thebeverage choice selection and additive in response to the contact withthe graphical representation for the pour button.
 20. A beveragedispensing system, comprising: a touch-sensitive display adapted todisplay a beverage selection state, comprising a plurality ofthree-dimensional graphical representations of cups having thereon drinkbrand labels of beverage choice selections and movable in a progressionthrough non-beverage selection positions and a beverage selectionposition; and a control system electrically connected with thetouch-sensitive display, wherein the control system: controls the touchsensitive display to display the beverage selection state, registers auser contact with the touch-sensitive display at one of the plurality ofthree-dimensional graphical representations of cups, processes the usercontact to determine whether the contact is a stationary contact wherebythe user taps the touch-sensitive display at one of the plurality ofthree-dimensional graphical representations of cups or a moving contactwhereby the user traverses the touch-sensitive display among thenon-beverage selection positions and the beverage selection positionwhile maintaining contact with the touch-sensitive display, determinesin response to a moving contact a starting point of the user contact andan ending point of the user contact among the non-beverage selectionpositions and the beverage selection position, controls the touchsensitive display to progress a contacted cup from the starting point ofthe user contact to the ending point of the user contact, thereby movingthe contacted cup among the non-beverage selection positions and thebeverage selection position, and saves a contacted cup as a beveragechoice selection when the user contact is a stationary contact and thecontacted cup resides at the beverage selection position.
 21. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 20, wherein the controlsystem controls the touch sensitive display to progress a contacted cupfrom a non-beverage selection position to the beverage selectionposition when the contact is a stationary contact and the contacted cupresides at a non-beverage selection position.
 22. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 20, wherein the control system:controls the touch-sensitive display to cease displaying the beverageselection state in response to the beverage choice selection; controlsthe touch-sensitive display to display a pour state, comprising thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup havingthereon the drink brand label of the beverage choice selection and agraphical representation for a pour button; registers a contact with thetouch-sensitive display at the graphical representation of the pourbutton; and controls the beverage dispensing system to deliver thebeverage choice selection in response to the contact with the graphicalrepresentation for the pour button.
 23. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 22, wherein: the pour state further comprises atleast one additive icon; and the control system: registers a contactwith the touch-sensitive display at the additive icon; controls thetouch-sensitive display to display the additive icon circling thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup inresponse to the contact with the additive icon; and controls thebeverage dispensing system to deliver the beverage choice selection andadditive in response to the contact with the graphical representationfor the pour button.
 24. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 20, wherein the control system: controls the touch-sensitivedisplay to cease displaying the beverage selection state in response toan expiration of a beverage choice selection time period; controls thetouch-sensitive display to display a beverage selection help state,comprising: a plurality of three-dimensional graphical representationsof cups having thereon drink brand labels of beverage choice selectionsand movable in a progression through non-beverage selection positionsand a beverage selection position, and a three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a hand; controls the touch-sensitive display todisplay the hand contacting one of the plurality of three-dimensionalgraphical representations of cups located at a non-beverage selectionposition; and controls the touch sensitive display to progress the handand the contacted cup from the non-beverage selection position to thebeverage selection position.
 25. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 24, wherein the control system controls the touchsensitive display to display the hand and the contacted cup at thebeverage selection position, thereby demonstrating a beverage choiceselection.
 26. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 22,wherein the control system: controls the touch-sensitive display tocease displaying the pour state in response to an expiration of a pourtime period; controls the touch-sensitive display to display a pour helpstate, comprising: the three-dimensional graphical representation of thecontacted cup having thereon the drink brand label of the beveragechoice selection, a graphical representation for a pour button, and athree-dimensional graphical representation of a hand; and controls thetouch sensitive display to display the hand contacting the graphicalrepresentation for the pour button, thereby demonstrating a beveragechoice selection pour.
 27. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 23, wherein the control system: controls the touch-sensitivedisplay to cease displaying the pour state in response to an expirationof a pour time period; controls the touch-sensitive display to display apour help state, comprising: the three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of the contacted cup having thereon the drink brand labelof the beverage choice selection, a graphical representation for a pourbutton, at least one additive icon, and a three-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of a hand; controls the touch sensitive display todisplay the hand contacting the additive icon; and controls thetouch-sensitive display to display the additive icon circling thethree-dimensional graphical representation of the contacted cup, therebydemonstrating an additive selection.
 28. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 20, further comprising a proximity sensorelectrically connected with the control system, wherein the controlsystem controls the controls the touch-sensitive display to display anadvertising state in response to the proximity sensor indicating a useris not present at the beverage dispensing system.
 29. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 20, further comprising interfacebuttons electrically connected with the control system and located belowthe touch-sensitive display to allow a user unable to reach thetouch-sensitive display to operate the beverage dispensing system. 30.The beverage dispensing system according to claim 20, wherein thecontrol system: registers a contact with the touch-sensitive display ata maintenance request area of the touch-sensitive display; and controlsthe touch-sensitive display to display a maintenance state in responseto the contact with the maintenance request area.
 31. A beveragedispensing system, comprising: a touch-sensitive display adapted todisplay a beverage selection state and a beverage selection help state,wherein the beverage selection state comprises beverage choice selectionicons movable in a progression through non-beverage selection positionsand a beverage selection position, further wherein the beverageselection help state comprises beverage choice selection icons movablein a progression through non-beverage selection positions and a beverageselection position and a three-dimensional graphical representation of ahand; and a control system electrically connected with thetouch-sensitive display, wherein the control system: controls the touchsensitive display to display the beverage selection state, controls thetouch-sensitive display to cease displaying the beverage selection statein response to an expiration of a beverage choice selection time period,controls the touch-sensitive display to display the beverage selectionhelp state, wherein the touch-sensitive display displays the handcontacting a beverage choice selection icon located at a non-beverageselection position, and controls the touch sensitive display to progressthe hand and the contacted beverage choice selection icon from thenon-beverage selection position to the beverage selection position. 32.The beverage dispensing system according to claim 31, wherein thecontrol system controls the touch sensitive display to display the handand the contacted beverage choice selection icon at the beverageselection position, thereby demonstrating a beverage choice selection.33. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 31, wherein thecontrol system: registers a contact with the touch-sensitive display atone of the beverage choice selection icons; processes the contact todetermine whether the contact is a stationary contact or a movingcontact; determines in response to a moving contact a starting point ofthe contact and an ending point of the contact among the non-beverageselection positions and the beverage selection position; controls thetouch sensitive display to progress a contacted beverage choiceselection icon from the starting point of the contact to the endingpoint of the contact, thereby moving the contacted beverage choiceselection icon among the non-beverage selection positions and thebeverage selection position, and saves a contacted beverage choiceselection icon as a beverage choice selection when the contact is astationary contact and the contacted beverage choice selection iconresides at the beverage selection position.
 34. The beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 33, wherein the control system controls thetouch sensitive display to progress a contacted beverage choiceselection icon from a non-beverage selection position to the beverageselection position when the contact is a stationary contact and thecontacted beverage choice selection icon resides at a non-beverageselection position.
 35. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 33, wherein: the touch-sensitive display is adapted to display apour state and a pour help state, wherein the pour state comprises thecontacted beverage choice selection icon and a graphical representationfor a pour button, further wherein the pour help state comprises thecontacted beverage choice selection icon, a graphical representation fora pour button, and a three-dimensional graphical representation of ahand; and the control system: controls the touch-sensitive display tocease displaying the beverage selection state in response to thebeverage choice selection, controls the touch-sensitive display todisplay the pour state, controls the touch-sensitive display to ceasedisplaying the pour state in response to an expiration of a pour timeperiod, controls the touch-sensitive display to display the pour helpstate, and controls the touch sensitive display to display the handcontacting the graphical representation for the pour button, therebydemonstrating a beverage choice selection pour.
 36. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 35, wherein: the pour state and thepour help state each further comprise at least one additive icon; andthe control system: controls the touch-sensitive display to ceasedisplaying the pour state in response to an expiration of a pour timeperiod, controls the touch-sensitive display to display the pour helpstate, controls the touch sensitive display to display the handcontacting the additive icon, and controls the touch-sensitive displayto display the additive icon circling the contacted the contactedbeverage choice selection icon, thereby demonstrating an additiveselection.
 37. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 35,wherein the control system: registers a contact with the touch-sensitivedisplay at the graphical representation of the pour button; and controlsthe beverage dispensing system to deliver the beverage choice selectionin response to the contact with the graphical representation for thepour button.
 38. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 36,wherein the control system: registers a contact with the touch-sensitivedisplay at the additive icon; controls the touch-sensitive display todisplay the additive icon circling the contacted beverage choiceselection icon in response to the contact with the additive icon; andcontrols the beverage dispensing system to deliver the beverage choiceselection and additive in response to the contact with the graphicalrepresentation for the pour button.